Location and Geology
The Mönchsleite is a vineyard site of Eibelstadt in Franconia. It stretches as a band between Eibelstadt and Sommerhausen on the river Main. The south-west-facing slopes lie at around 230 metres above sea level and have gradients of 45 to 65 per cent. The subsoil is massive block limestone from the Triassic.
History
The Eibelstadt Altenberg was managed under the designation for vineyards Mönchsleite following the land consolidation from 1963 to 1965. Parcel Altenberg 1172 is associated with a Silvaner that, in 1969, received the state honorary award for the best wine at the Franconian Wine Prizes. From the same parcel, a top Silvaner also comes.
Grape Varieties and Cultivation
At the Mönchsleite, Silvaner, Riesling and Spätburgunder are documented. The described cultivation methods include cultivation on steep slopes, low yields, selective hand harvesting and the care of old vines. For a documented source of Silvaner, vines aged 38 to 49 years are mentioned.
Documented Wines
A dry Silvaner from Altenberg 1172 is matured as a German quality wine b.A. Franconia and is described as having herbal, yellow-fruited, nutty and smoky notes, fine acidity and a mineral finish. Spontaneous fermentation and maturation take place in wood and concrete. A dry Spätburgunder from the steepest parcels shows dark fruit, is fermented traditionally on the skins, matured in barrique and bottled unfiltered.
